Sunday, February 24, 2019

Additional Participating Entity:Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; TeterboroAviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdmshttp://registry.faa.gov/N71MHLocation: Belmar, NJAccident Number: GAA17CA339Date & Time: 06/11/2017, 1230 EDTRegistration: N71MHAircraft: CESSNA 180Aircraft Damage: SubstantialDefining Event: Loss of control on groundInjuries: 1 NoneFlight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - PersonalAnalysisThe pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing and as the left main landing gear (MLG) touched down, the airplane encountered a wind gust and then veered "abruptly" left. He added that, as the right MLG touched down, the airplane "began skidding to the left," and the right MLG collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest on the left side of the runway and nosed down.The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.Probable Cause and FindingsThe National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.FindingsAircraftDirectional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)Personnel issuesAircraft control - Pilot (Cause)Environmental issuesGusts - Effect on operationFactual InformationHistory of FlightLandingOther weather encounterLoss of control on ground (Defining event)Landing gear collapseNose over/nose down Pilot InformationCertificate: PrivateAge: 50, MaleAirplane Rating(s): Single-engine LandSeat Occupied: LeftOther Aircraft Rating(s): NoneRestraint Used: 3-pointInstrument Rating(s): NoneSecond Pilot Present: NoInstructor Rating(s): NoneToxicology Performed: NoMedical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/LimitationsLast FAA Medical Exam: 01/14/2016Occupational Pilot: NoLast Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/10/2016Flight Time: (Estimated) 1132 hours (Total, all aircraft), 681 hours (Total, this make and model), 1071 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 48 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) Aircraft and Owner/Operator InformationAircraft Make: CESSNARegistration: N71MHModel/Series: 180 KAircraft Category: AirplaneYear of Manufacture: 1977Amateur Built: NoAirworthiness Certificate: NormalSerial Number: 18052965Landing Gear Type: TailwheelSeats: 4Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/18/2017, AnnualCertified Max Gross Wt.: 2800 lbsTime Since Last Inspection:Engines: 1 ReciprocatingAirframe Total Time: 5722.5 Hours as of last inspectionEngine Manufacturer: CONT MOTORELT: Installed, not activatedEngine Model/Series: IO-550-DRegistered Owner: SCHULTZ ENGINEERED PRODUCTS INCRated Power: 300 hpOperator: On fileOperating Certificate(s) Held: NoneMeteorological Information and Flight PlanConditions at Accident Site: Visual ConditionsCondition of Light: DayObservation Facility, Elevation: BLM, 164 ft mslDistance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical MilesObservation Time: 1656 UTCDirection from Accident Site: 117°Lowest Cloud Condition: ClearVisibility: 10 MilesLowest Ceiling: NoneVisibility (RVR):Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 15 knotsTurbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / NoneWind Direction: 260°Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/AAltimeter Setting: 30.08 inches HgTemperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 16°CPrecipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No PrecipitationDeparture Point: Belmar, NJ (BLM)Type of Flight Plan Filed: NoneDestination: Belmar, NJ (BLM)Type of Clearance: NoneDeparture Time: 1200 EDTType of Airspace:Class G Airport InformationAirport: MONMOUTH EXECUTIVE (BLM)Runway Surface Type: AsphaltAirport Elevation: 153 ftRunway Surface Condition: DryRunway Used: 32IFR Approach: NoneRunway Length/Width: 7371 ft / 85 ftVFR Approach/Landing: Full StopWreckage and Impact InformationCrew Injuries: 1 NoneAircraft Damage: SubstantialPassenger Injuries: N/AAircraft Fire: NoneGround Injuries: N/AAircraft Explosion: NoneTotal Injuries: 1 NoneLatitude, Longitude: 40.185000, -74.122222 (est)Preventing Similar Accidents Stay Centered: Preventing Loss of Control During LandingLoss of control during landing is one of the leading causes of general aviation accidents and is often attributed to operational issues. Although most loss of control during landing accidents do not result in serious injuries, they typically require extensive airplane repairs and may involve potential damage to nearby objects such as fences, signs, and lighting.Often, wind plays a role in these accidents. Landing in a crosswind presents challenges for pilots of all experience levels. Other wind conditions, such as gusting wind, tailwind, variable wind, or wind shifts, can also interfere with pilots’ abilities to land the airplane and maintain directional control.What can pilots do?Evaluate your mental and physical fitness before each flight using the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) “I'M SAFE Checklist." Being emotionally and physically ready will help you stay alert and potentially avoid common and preventable loss of control during landing accidents.Check wind conditions and forecasts often. Take time during every approach briefing to fully understand the wind conditions. Use simple rules of thumb to help (for example, if the wind direction is 30 degrees off the runway heading, the crosswind component will be half of the total wind velocity).Know your limitations and those of the airplane you are flying. Stay current and practice landings on different runways and during various wind conditions. If possible, practice with a flight instructor on board who can provide useful feedback and techniques for maintaining and improving your landing procedures.Prepare early to perform a go around if the approach is not stabilized and does not go as planned or if you do not feel comfortable with the landing. Once you are airborne and stable again, you can decide to attempt to land again, reassess your landing runway, or land at an alternate airport. Incorporate go-around procedures into your recurrent training.During landing, stay aligned with the centerline. Any misalignment reduces the time available to react if an unexpected event such as a wind gust or a tire blowout occurs.Do not allow the airplane to touch down in a drift or in a crab. For airplanes with tricycle landing gear, do not allow the nosewheel to touch down first.Maintain positive control of the airplane throughout the landing and be alert for directional control difficulties immediately upon and after touchdown. A loss of directional control can lead to a nose-over or ground loop, which can cause the airplane to tip or lean enough for the wing tip to contact the ground.Stay mentally focused throughout the landing roll and taxi. During landing, avoid distractions, such as conversations with passengers or setting radio frequencies.Interested in More Information?The FAA’s “Airplane Flying Handbook” (FAA-H-8083-3B), chapter 8, “Approaches and Landings,” provides guidance about how to conduct crosswind approaches and landings and discusses maximum safe crosswind velocities. The handbook can be accessed from the FAA’s website (www.faa.gov).The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) provides access to online training courses, seminars, and webinars as part of the FAA’s “WINGS—Pilot Proficiency Program.” This program includes targeted flight training designed to help pilots develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve flight proficiency and to assess and mitigate the risks associated with the most common causes of accidents, including loss of directional control. The courses listed below can be accessed from the FAASTeam website (www.faasafety.gov).Avoiding Loss of ControlManeuvering: Approach and LandingNormal Approach and LandingTakeoffs, Landings, and Aircraft ControlThe Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute offers several interactive courses, presentations, publications, and other safety resources that can be accessed from its website (www.aopa.org/asf/).The NTSB’s Aviation Information Resources web page, www.ntsb.gov/air, provides convenient access to NTSB aviation safety products.The NTSB presents this information to prevent recurrence of similar accidents. Note that this should not be considered guidance from the regulator, nor does this supersede existing FAA Regulations (FARs).